CHOOSE A METAL DETECTOR THAT'S RIGHT FOR YOU
The first step towards becoming a successful treasure hunter is choosing a quality metal detector that best meets your needs and objectives. Think about the kind of treasure hunting you want to do and how often you want to do it. Consider how much money you want to spend, keeping in mind that a new detector can cost anywhere from $150 to more than $6000 depending on its circuitry, features and performance capabilities. Also, deter-mine how much you already know or are willing to learn about operating a metal detector. You should ultimately invest in an instrument that is easy to use and can help you achieve your goals.
READ YOUR DETECTOR'S OWNER'S MANUAL
Take a closer look at your owner's manual after assembling your detector. You'll find basic instructions on how to operate the detector's controls and valuable advice on how to use the detector's special features to help maximize your chances of finding treasure.
RESEARCH
One of the secrets to successful treasure hunting is research. Try to learn as much as you can about the location you want to search, the kind of treasure you want to find and the best ways to recover it. The more prepared you are the greater your chances for success. Research can be something as simple as inquiring about good places to hunt or as complex as investigating the history behind a suspected gold cache site. Treasure hunting magazines, books, metal detecting clubs, local metal detector dealers and Internet chat forums are just a handful of the resources available.
PERFORM BENCH TEST
Bench testing is a great way to become familiar with your detector's capabilities and limitat-ions prior to spending time in the field. Knowing what to expect from your detector, such as the audio and visual signals triggered by various targets, can help you to find treasure more quickly and easily.
LEARN PROPER SEARCH AND RECOVERY TECHNIQUES
Did you know that scanning in a straight line as opposed to a wide half circle helps keep the search coil level, prevents it from lifting after each sweep and ensures that overlap sweeps remain uniform? And that using a screwdriver-like probe to locate a pinpointed target helps prevent target damage and makes it easy to refill holes? These are just a handful of numer-ous tried and true treasure hunting techniques that can improve your chances for success. Your detector owner's manuals often contain useful information on how to scan, pinpoint and recover targets.
PRACTICE MAKES PERFECT
Perhaps the best treasure hunting tip of all: The more you hunt the better hunter you'll be-come and the more treasure you'll find. No matter how sophisticated your metal detector is, your success ultimately depends on your ability to use your detector to its fullest potential.
TAKE CARE OF YOUR DETECTOR
Help prolong the life and performance of your detector by cleaning it thoroughly after each use and storing it in a location free from extreme temperatures.
BE CAREFUL
Most treasure hunters agree that compared to a lot of other hobbies and sports, metal de-tecting is probably one of the safest activities around. Nevertheless, a smart metal detect-orist knows the importance of observing the following cautions: DO NOT hunt in areas where electric lines, gas/water pipelines, bombs or other explosives may be buried. NEVER trespass or hunt on private property without permission.
NATIONAL and STATE parks, monuments, military sites, etc., are "off limits!!!"
BE CAREFUL when digging toward a target where the underground conditions are unknown.
REAP THE REWARDS
Gold, silver and jewels are just a few of the potential rewards of treasure hunting. Many hobbyists find metal detecting a great way to enjoy the outdoors, stay in shape and meet new friends.